What is meant by "Karma"?

Extracts from this document...

Introduction

What is meant by "Karma"? "Just as every object has a shadow, every action has an effect." - Buddha Karma is one of the fundamental concepts in the Buddhist religion. The concept of Karma is not original to the Buddhist religion, as it was adopted by Buddha from Brahminism, which was an earlier version of Hinduism. The theory of Karma first appeared in the Upanishads, which was a revolutionary piece of literature of its time, questioning and challenging the role of humans alongside nature and trying to answer the classic questions: Why? Why are we here? What is our role in life? Doctrines were formulated to answer these questions by gurus and written in the Upanishads and the fundamental doctrines of Karma and Reincarnation are two key concepts that helps in the understanding of Buddhism as a religion. The life we live is, in accordance to the doctrines of Karma and Rebirth, the result of how we have lived. Karma literally translated means "Action." The law of cause and effect best explains Karma. It is through our actions that we live the life we lead. It is clear to see the stark differences that exist between humans. Some are poor and some are rich, some are healthy and some are constantly ill and so on. Buddhists explain that it is because of past actions or Karma that a person is constantly ill or is able to live a life of luxury. ...read more.

Middle

Some actions result in neutral Karma. Breathing, walking, talking are all actions but if you don't harm an animal while walking or speak harshly of others then this results in neutral Karma which does not affect you or anyone else. It is a widely held belief that Karma is the source of natural human talent. Someone maybe naturally good at a sport or in a topic in academic studies and it is through the karmic tendencies that have been inherited through their previous lives that result in a natural ability that emerges. One prime example is the Buddha himself.5 He inherited like everyone else the reproductive cells and genes of his mother (given the way she conceived) but his physical and mental attributes were that of accumulated Karma as he himself stated that he belonged to the Aryan Buddha lineage and not of the Royal lineage of his parents. Buddha was a creation of his own accumulated Karma from his previous lives. It is also stated that Buddha inherited 32 physical features that were a sign of his past meritorious deeds. Buddhists like to use nature as an example to explain their doctrines and concepts. Karma in association with nature can be explained using the seed, the tree and the fruit. Karma in essence is the potential seed. That seed will grow according to the choices you make regarding you actions. ...read more.

Conclusion

It is not fatalistic in the sense that god or fate predetermines everything before you are reborn but karma does determine some aspects of your life. For instance what type of family you will be born into, whether or not you will be ill or healthy, poor or rich, face constant misery or relative happiness, but that is because of our previous Karma that has not been experienced. Karma in essence is the Cause and Effect. Every action has a similar reaction. A good action results in a good reaction and vice versa. It is important to accept that the concept of Reincarnation is as normal as believing that god exists. This is where the West has trouble understanding and explaining Karma. Buddhists believe that we can control the nature of our lives. Buddhists understand that they are not able to change their past actions or the actions of others, or prevent its results, but they are in control of the way they re-act upon them. The Buddha teaches that studying the nature of our actions (before, during and after we act) can help us discern what is helpful and what is a hindrance upon the path to escape the Dukkha of birth death and rebirth. Adapting to the Noble Eightfold Path and adopting a selfless way of life can help us overcome our desires, common to our human nature. By eliminating our selfishness and becoming totally selfless we can conquer our lives by escaping rebirth and starting the Samsara all over again and achieve nirvana. ...read more.

Related AS and A Level Hinduism essays

The parents sometimes think that the children will choose the wrong person to marry, which is why they have arranged marriages. If you make a good choice, you will stay together, a bad choice can cause lots of unhappiness for many people.

(3, 30) `The Gita points out that renunciation is not for everyone and cannot be resorted to by one who has worldly desires. So the path of action (Karma Yoga) is meant for the worldly people to engage in action so that they can fulfil their legitimate righteously.

Today couples, depending on how liberal their parents are, have a coffee or meal on their own either at home, or in a restaurant, before deciding to commit. Middle-class women are allowed to reject suitors favoured by their parents. Engagements can now last six months.

become immortal and attain Brahman', which shows that when all thoughts are put to rest and when the atman is truly identified as the equivalent of the reality of Brahman, an individual will be able to make moksha their goal and achieve it.

KANGA: small wooden comb to keep the hair tidy and symbolise purity. KARA: steel bracelet/bangle worn on the right wrist to protect the sword arm and symbolises eternity. KIRPAN: a small sword symbolising readiness to fight oppression. KACHA or KACHERA: shorts worn as an under garment, to symbolise modesty and sexual restraint.

When married, a Hindu has the opportunity to achieve three goals: > A release from all basic human desires through marriage and having children. > A contribution to society though hard work. > The duty of carrying out whatever demands his particular caste places upon him.

They have the occupation of praying for people. Many people celebrate the festival in different ways. It is possible to encounter some people involved in communal worship among lots of singing and dancing, some more people who are consulting astrologers to determine the outcome of the day, or perhaps a

As we have already established, within Hindu beliefs, we are all trapped in the cycle of Samsara (i.e. reincarnation). Hindus believe that a personâs atman (spirit) is permanent and cannot change while the physical body is not permanent and can change.